Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2025
116. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the specific support his Department has available, or is planning to make available, to those who are due to lose their incomes as a result of the receivership of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62250/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports his Department are providing to the workers, subcontractors and franchisees of a company (details supplied) following the company’s receivership announcement in October 2025; the financial assistance his Department can provide to those workers of that company who are self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62269/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 140 together.
My Department is making every effort to support affected workers at this time. On receiving the notification of proposed collective redundancy from the company concerned, my Department’s Employer Relations team made contact with the company to arrange to meet locally with affected employees to provide information on income, redundancy entitlements and employment supports. Meetings with the staff concerned are taking place this week.
Employees of the group have not been laid off but are in a 30-day consultation period from 31 October 2025. This means that they remain in employment during this period and continue to accrue an entitlement to wages. In order to protect their entitlements direct employees should not apply for a Jobseeker’s payment at this point as they are still considered employees of the company.
Employees in need of urgent financial assistance should visit their local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office, where an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance will be processed as a matter of urgency.
Following the completion of the consultation process, and if their employment ends, affected employees can apply for Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit if they have sufficient PRSI contributions, or for the means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Self-employed franchise holders or contractors may qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed). Direct employees of a franchise holder or self-employed contractor impacted by the receivership who are now on temporary layoff may apply for Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, depending on PRSI record and means. Supplementary Welfare Allowance is available pending decisions on their primary payment.
Employed workers may be entitled to redundancy benefits if they are laid off. If these cannot be covered by their employer, the Department of Social Protection’s Redundancy and Insolvency scheme is available. Where an employer or insolvency practitioner is unable to pay wages owed to employees due to insolvency, the receiver can apply for payment of arrears of wages from the Insolvency Payments Scheme following termination of employment.
